Jewelry Appraisal CenterWhile there was NOT a lot of information from a client called David in this 'Ask The Appraiser' Question, I considered it worthy of posting here on the Jewelry Appraisal Center blog.
Cameos: Classical to Costume (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
Price: $43.16
It has many elements which should be the starting point for anyone seeking answers.
Is This Cameo Real Question: I am trying to identify a Cameo that was passed down to my wife as to if it is real or not.
I don't really care how much it is worth - just interested
Answer: G'day David (Good Name That) and many thanks for your query.
I don't know if the Cameo is carved from Shell or layered agate or even Conch - so I am unable to help you really, as I can't see it, feel it, measure or test it - so we have to be a little general here.
You might also like to see what's on eBay right now...
Article Continued Below...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Related Items Available on eBay Right now...
 SP58182 LEMON TOPAZ 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY  US $7.99 |  SP55810 BRECCIATED MOOKAITE 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY US $7.99 |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 | Gems & Jewelry Appraising, 3rd Edition: Techniques of Professional Practice List Price: Sale Price: $28.72 You save: $11.27 (28%)  |
DescriptionThis new edition covers all the standards, procedures, and ethics of appraising gems, jewelry, and other valuables. Each step involved in conducting an appraisal is fully explained, with photos, case studies, key documents, worksheets and pricing data included... |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Article Continued...
The other problem is I don't know if the item is in a ring, Brooch, Necklace, Pendant etc - or if you can see the back of the gemstone or not?
Unfortunately, Cameo seems to be mis-described because it applies to ANY gemstone which is Carved in relief - as opposed to an Intaglio, which is the opposite because it is carved INTO the gemstone (like a Seal).
So when clients talk about their Cameo - the first thing I need to know is "What Gemstone is is?"
If you can see the back - Hold it up to the light. Can you see the light coming through and is it a brown color with a slightly curved back? If so - then it could be a SHELL Cameo - very popular with tourists, especially if they have been to Europe.
This brings me to the next problem as you didn't say where it was purchased?
Also is it mounted in Gold, Silver or Platinum? How old is it? All these questions have to be asked by any appraiser.
If the back is NOT see through and curved, it may be Plastic.
The old 'Red Hot Needle' trick placed somewhere very carefully in a spot which can't be seen or do damage - would give a typical 'Plastic' smell. Please DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME.
I think you are going to have to take it to your local FRIENDLY Jeweler and have them do a full written appraisal for you. They will charge - but at least then you'll know for sure.
Once you have that, you can always update your jewelry each year using our Jewelry Appraisals Online system which has all the current prices built in.
Hope this helps...
Start Your Jewelry Appraisal Now!
Invitation:Thanks for your visit, but after all the hard work (unpaid) we put into this site - if nothing else - we would certainly appreciate your comments on this article. |
Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Jewelry hallmarks
Professional jewelry appraisals completed by gemologists and valuers often have to take into account the effect the jewelry hallmarks have on the value of each item being appraised. Do they alter the price, up or down, depending on the hallmark. The simple answer is yes – and no. It depends on the hallmarks themselves and where they come from.
I get similar questions on forums and ‘expert’ websites, together with my own members discussion group. They are usually in the following format, and in general the same questions get asked over and over again. They go… Continue reading Jewelry Hallmarks And What They Mean...
Do you enjoy making jewellery and want to use it as a gift for your bridesmaids? Handmade pearl bridesmaid jewellery is a unique and special gift that will create memories of your special day. Handmade jewellery means that you can personailise the jewellery for each bridesmaid, making several different pieces. Pearls can be purchased for a small or a large amount of money so the gifts do not have to be expensive. Â Since your handmade jewellery is custom made by you, you can make yourslef a matching piece of jewellery to wear on your wedding day. In fact… Continue reading Why Not Create Handmaid Pearl Jewellery...
Do you envy those families that pass down watches, rings and other precious heirlooms, wishing your family had something significant and meaningful to pass along generation after generation? Perhaps your family isn’t blessed with the cherished objects or those that might even become a running joke generation after generation You don’t have to fight through the spider webs in your dad’s cellar trying to find something worth eventually passing along to your children, grandchildren and so on through the future generations. Instead, decide to start your own tradition beginning with the current generation. Begin to collect Italian charms. These charms… Continue reading How to Start a "Charmed" Family Tradition in Three Simple Steps...
Basic Online Jewelry Appraisal Kit
Enhanced Valuation Online Kit With Appraisal Advice Service Included
Deluxe 'Hands Off' Jewelry Appraisal Online Kit With Bonus Staff Assist
Upgrade Your Benchmark Package with the Appraisal Advisory Service
Let Us Do The Work For You - With our Staff Assist Program
Annual Renewals And Our Extended Warranty Guarantee
Hello. I also have a cameo that was passed down. I believe it is shell, and my question is about cleaning it. Do I need to take it to the jeweler or can I clean it at home, and what is safe to use on it?
Thanks
Marilyn
If it is Shell Cameo Marilyn then it’s used to being in Water…
I suggest (as long as there are no other gemstones like pearls) that an old – soft – toothbrush in a warm soapy CLEAN water is ok. Lightly brush it.
Please be careful though, as I can’t see it, feel it, measure or touch it. Only you can do that.